EAP Tree-Lighting ceremony Nov. 27

Horse-drawn wagon rides from Mountainside Stables will be available as part of the EAPâÂÂs annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 5-7 p.m. Santa will arrive via the wagon pictured above accompanied by Mayor Chris Bollwage and local children. For more information please call the EAP office at 908-965-0660 or log onto the website elizabethavenue.org or facebook us at âÂÂElizabeth Avenue-The Market.âÂÂ Suburban News

The sound of approaching horses, children’s voices filling the air, holiday music and a friendly “Ho-Ho-Ho” from Santa Claus will all be heard at the Elizabeth Avenue Partnership’s annual Tree-Lighting ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 5-7 p.m.
“The EAP Tree-Lighting Ceremony is always a great success and marks the official start of the holiday shopping season on Elizabeth Avenue,” said Ivette Zeik-Fernicola., EAP Chairwoman and owner of Leonardo Jewelers, 829 Elizabeth Ave.
The event will take place at Union Square Plaza on Elizabeth Avenue when Santa Claus will arrive via horse-drawn carriage accompanied by Mayor Chris Bollwage and local children who will be picked up from City Hall. The crew will carol their way down Elizabeth Avenue upon riding the wagon to Union Square Plaza where a live holiday band, refreshments and holiday fun will be awaiting as they prepare to light the tree to kick off the holiday shopping season on Elizabeth Avenue.
“Last year, the crowded square created a genuine cozy community setting to usher in the holidays as children of all ages gathered to meet Santa,” said EAP Executive Director, Dave Strochak. “I was warmed by the smiles on the faces of the children, parents and folks in general.”
The EAP will also unveil a “Santa’s Mailbox” where children can place letters which will be answered with a return letter from the North Pole.
“The weeks leading up to Christmas will bring more holiday excitement to the Avenue including a day of horse-drawn wagon rides up and down Elizabeth Avenue, a holiday petting zoo with llamas, donkeys and bunnies, and free pony rides to cap off the season,” Strochak said.
Santa will be at each event so folks are encouraged to bring their own camera for photo opportunities.
The Children’s events will begin on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 12-3 p.m. with a return of the horse drawn carriage from Mountainside Stables which will provide free rides for children and parents alike up and down Elizabeth Avenue. A live Petting Zoo will be provided on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 12-3 p.m. followed up by free pony rides on Saturday, Dec. 15.
The EAP does a great job of promoting Elizabeth Avenue for the holidays,” said Mayor Bollwage. “Come down to “The Market” on Elizabeth Avenue, shop its stores, try the wide variety of foods and sample the diversity of our great city!” he said. “And, don’t forget about the free children’s events in December.”
The EAP is working towards making this year’s event a pleasant shopping experience. Savings are abundant as the stores on the Avenue offer a reduced sales tax of just 3 ½ % at most stores. Shop and save on the Elizabeth Avenue!
For more information on the events please call the EAP office at 908-965-0660, ext. 13 or follow us on Facebook @ Elizabeth Avenue – The Market or elizabethavenue.org.